Baby's breath is one of those flowers that does so much with so little. Those tiny, delicate blooms add an airy, romantic touch to any arrangement, and they're incredibly versatile. Beautiful on their own or as the perfect complement to bolder flowers. Best of all, they're one of the easiest cut flowers to care for.

What You'll Need

• A clean vase
• Fresh, cool water
• Floral preservative (optional)
• Sharp scissors or floral shears

Step-by-Step Care Instructions

1. Unpack gently. Baby's breath is delicate, so handle it with care when removing it from the packaging.
2. Trim the stems. Cut 1–2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle to help the stems drink water effectively.
3. Use fresh, clean water. Fill your vase with cool water and add floral preservative if you have it. Baby's breath is sensitive to bacteria, so clean water is especially important.
4. Remove lower foliage. Strip any leaves or small stems that would sit below the waterline.
5. Change the water every 2 days. Re-trim the stems each time to keep them hydrated and fresh.
6. Keep them cool and out of direct sun. A bright spot away from heat and direct sunlight is ideal. Baby's breath wilts quickly in warm conditions.

Pro Tips

• Let them dry naturally: Baby's breath dries beautifully! If you want to preserve your arrangement, simply hang the stems upside down in a cool, dry spot and let them air dry. They'll keep their shape and look lovely for months.
• Revive wilting stems: If your baby's breath starts to droop, re-cut the stems and place them in fresh cool water for a few hours. They often perk right back up.

Florist Secret

Baby's breath can sometimes arrive looking a little flat or compressed from shipping. To fluff it up, gently shake each stem or use your fingers to carefully separate and open up the tiny blooms. A light misting of water can also help the clusters spring back to life. In just a few hours, you'll see them open up into that beautiful, cloud-like fullness everyone loves!

One more insider tip: when used in large quantities (think big wedding installations or full centerpieces), baby's breath has a strong natural scent that can be overwhelming in an enclosed space. You have two easy solutions. Use a floral odor eliminator to neutralize it, or spritz a pleasant floral fragrance spray directly on the blooms to mask the natural scent with something you love. Both are easy to find at floral supply stores and give you full control over the experience!

How Long Will They Last?

With proper care, fresh cut baby's breath typically lasts 5 to 7 days in a vase. And if you let it dry, it can last for months as a beautiful keepsake.